Garuda Figure

The carving was finished and signed as the donor watched. The carving is said to have been purchased in Payangan, however the carver signed the piece on the back "Imade Losen / Pujung / Bali".

The Garuda is a large mythical bird or bird-like creature from both Hindu and Buddhist mythology. Indonesia also uses the Garuda as its national symbol. Garuda is usually shown in either zoomorphic form (a giant bird with partially open wings), or anthropomorphic form (a man with wings and some bird features).

Garuda figure carved of heavy wood. Anthropomorphic form with human body, bird head, wings and talons. Depicted partially kneeling and leaning forward, with large wings extended back, and tail feathers up behind him. He wears an ornate crown, and his beak is open exposing teeth and his extended tongue. He holds a jar of amrita (immortality nectar) in his left hand, and his right hand is held in karana mudra(?). 'IMADE LOSEN PUTUNG BALI' carved into the back, above small platform with square-shaped hole.